Harald Hardrada: Viking Mercenary (Part 1)

[@cruzaider5339]

Bro's life was basically a mount and blade campaign

[@andydaniels3029]

Or a Mount and Blade campaign was fashioned after this bro's life lol.

[@knunk5476]

He had a pretty good start, born into the royal family of norway

[@agustinc.368]

Love that game

[@residentelect]

@@knunk5476 And to top it all he chopped another man's bollocks off! Royal bollocks I might add!

[@shycracker]

@@knunk5476 basically Impoverished Noble start

[@bernardoohigginsvevo2974]

Wow, what a wild story. He brushed shoulders with Cnut and Yaroslav the Wise, who were two of the most famous rulers of their respective kingdoms, and played an integral role in the whole Zoe saga in Byzantium, which is a very famous episode in Byzantine history. And to top it all off (spoilers ahead), he fought at Stamford Bridge, and was killed by Harold Godwinson, who a few months later would be killed himself at Hastings during the Norman conquest of England. This guy was everywhere. What a madlad. Great work as always.

[@prinz5816]

He also fought against the danes, wont say the result of it but he was indeed everywhere.

[@chucklynch6523]

If only he had played it safe and had his army wear their armor the morning of the Battle of Stamford Bridge, he would not only have won that battle, but would have also beaten the Norman invasion force of William a couple of weeks later. History would have been so different!

[@prinz5816]

@@chucklynch6523 I doubt Harald wouldve defeated William in battle. Lets say he won at stamford bridge, his army would be mauled and i doubt he would make a decisive blow to Harolds army. Most likely Harald and William would make a truce to divide England between eachother, and work together to get Harold away for good.

[@eodyn7]

a few days later, not months.

[@toolcruise]

@@chucklynch6523I have a suspicion, even though it’s baseless, that Harald and William had a deal when invading England, and that William tactically waited with his invasion so that he could beat the reduced English forces and take the land for himself.

[@Strat-Guides]

Speaking of Mount and Blade campaign - I did a Harald Hardrada campaign a few months back! Really fun play style, this guy was all over the place and had such an interesting life, can't wait to see all the stuff I missed in my research lol you guys are always on point with these videos. Can't wait!

[@kevinisnotscargaming7296]

Didn't expect to see you here love your vids

[@Strat-Guides]

@@kevinisnotscargaming7296 hey Kevin! Yeah man I watch everything these guys put out. Amazing work!!

[@cruzaider5339]

Oy seeing you here is a bit surprising

[@Strat-Guides]

@@cruzaider5339 I watch all of their videos actually :D such a good channel

[@yodasdad3507]

Harold is a real badass. I’m writing a paper on how the battle of Stamford bridge is one of the most important battles in all of English history. It essentially allowed william to conquer England. While doing my research, I have learned so much about Harold Hardrada. You do a great job at portraying him as “the last true Viking”

[@JOEFABULOUS.]

He threatened to blood eagle harold Goodwinson but lost the battle

[@yodasdad3507]

Yeah he lost the battle, but he was not ready for that battle at all. Harold Godwinson surprised him at the bridge with his army. Hardrada was able to hold them off for a while, but they just didn’t have the numbers ultimately

[@JOEFABULOUS.]

@@yodasdad3507 A viking line of 3 abreast crossing the bridge to face harold's front row of far more sealed the day Goodwinson crossed the Vikings T Hardrada couldn't get enough men across the bridge

[@ragnarwergeland8243]

Have you visited his familirs farm in Norway. It has rich Viking heritage. We are currently building a Viking ship in the name of Hardraade. Regards Ragnar Wergeland hardraade vikingskipforening

[@yodasdad3507]

@@ragnarwergeland8243 I have not, but that sounds awesome! I for sure want to visit Norway some day.

[@sirseigan]

I know the area where Haralds half-brother Olaf lay ashore (in "Sillangr" outside modern day Sundsvall, Sweden) and marched to his death in Stikklestad very well. It was a long march and all the old churches along the way are said to have been built because of Olaf (in one way or another). There are also many holy wells along the route that is connected to Olaf. Olaf left a huge impact on the area that had a long time effect. So big that he still are a part of the local folklore. It was a long, long march westward (that later became a pilgrimage road) and many researcher belive that it was not just "strays" that joined his army but many young men from the region - seeking fame, glory and fortune by seizing an opportunity to impress a mighty king in battle - that joined up along the march. One also need to know that Jämtland (on the east fothills of the mountain range) had just a century earlier had a huge influx of Norwegian elite families in a similar manner as to how Iceland was settled (to escape the brutal powerstruggle in Norway). They still maintained relationships with their old relatives and allies on the western side of the mountain range, likely participating in local affairs but stayed (or at least tried to stay) independent from the kings in Trondheim. They would have a stake in the game already. The journey that Harald did east over the mountains in the begining of winter is very very close to where around 3000 (yes thousands) Swedish soldiers some 700 years later would freeze to death over just a few days, in the begining of winter, as they retreated from Norway after having received the news that king Charles XII (aka Karl the 12:th aka Carolus Rex) had been shoot in the south during a battle in the south Norway. The journey is no joke! The place where Harald would retreat to in the east and regroup after the battle is likely to have been around the same place where king Olaf went ashore. Just beside there is a place called "Hov" which was where the local elite/chief/petty king recided. The shores of the (then) fjord "Sillangr" had been where the local elites had regin from for perhaps half a milennia if not longer. In the migration period the graves there rival those in old Uppsala in riches - which is no small thing. The elites there grew wealthy from the very lucrative fur and iron trade that was exported to continental Europe and Rome. This area was not yet Sweden, it was sovreign territory (kingdom or folk-republic similar to Iceland). They were sometimes allying with the Swedes in the south, joining their military campaigns (when it suited them). So it is in a way quite wrong to call this area "Sweden" in this very context, even though it is part of modern day Sweden as it was its own political entity and not yet part of Sweden. In fact it was,acvording to phd Dick Harrisson, not fully incoperated into the Swedish realm until 1320, which is much later then lets say eastern and southern Finland - just to give a frame of refrense. If Olaf had not died at the battle of Stikklestad this area could just as well have become part of the Norwegian kingdom instead of being incoperated in tge Swedish kingdom. It is fair to assume that many of Haralds warband when he went to "Gardarikki" (Novgorod/land of the Rus/Kievan-Rus) came from this very area.

[@cloudftw113]

Your introduction to Constantinople was one of the most beautiful I've ever heard. It invokes the feeling of seeing it in all of its glory for the first time.

[@francisattic]

God the visuals and pacing on this one knocked it out of the park well done

[@joshwintle4563]

These videos are a masterpiece, visually and the information given are incredible. Hope you get the recognition you deserve

[@thehistorybard6333]

Oh man I am so excited for this one, Hardrada is one of my all-time favourite historical figures!

[@benitoharrycollmann132]

You guys essentially made Heimskringla into a picture book. Very commendable content from all those involved . Thank you

[@wilsontheconqueror8101]

So glad you made a video on Hardrada! What an epic life! From Constantinople to King of Norway. To dying in battle trying to lay claim to England.

[@Sepulchure]

A cool fact about the dude: He was reported to be 5 ells in height, with the viking ell being equal to 18 modern inches or 46 centimeters. That would put him at about 230 cm or 7'6 feet of height. Even if that's not real, he had to be one big unit of a man. He wore a coat of mail so thick and heavy that it hasn't been breached in his lifetime, and called it Emma. Shame that he didn't wear it at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Then again, no guarantee it would have saved his neck from an arrow. That's a con of being a big target, I suppose.

[@felicitys3621]

Viking history is some of my favorite history ever!!! Can’t wait to to watch this!!

[@JasonW14]

This was phenomenal!!!! You seriously make the best historical content on youtube! Keep up the great work!!!

[@spasjt]

Outstanding as always! Well done you two! Well done indeed.

[@hakon5473]

Harald's story is one of the most facinating in history. From exiled Prince to Mercenary to King and Conqueror. I might be a bit biased as there is a likely chance he is my ancestor.

[@Yehnah677]

Loads of people reckon they’re related to him I’ve only seen one that actually has a plaque showing their family tree.

[@adrianjulia4383]

Cant wait for part 2 , really awesome episode

[@BarnabyCodswallow]

How are your videos so much more noticeably engaging and interesting than your YT peers?!?! Super well done. The production quality to your vids is top notch. Really good music, art, narration.. Always pulls me in and it's honestly amazing. Compared to other history YT channels, you are so far above most, its not even fair. Like for example, I knew this story before, parts of it at least.. but the video presented was so much more engaging than any other retelling. Keep up the awesome videos! This feels like a big production bc of the quality of ur videos.. how many people are running this channel? if this isn't some off-shoot of a larger channel with experience: you need to make some money from your talent. these videos are very well made, and is easily at (or exceeds) the the level of most Historical content on not just KZbin, but media in general: TV channels, etc.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks! Just two brothers running the show! We’ve made it our job as of June.

[@BarnabyCodswallow]

@@HistoryDose Good on you guys! You definitely deserve more subs and views- and I'm sure you will get them with such awesome content!

[@bobokin5815]

Great video! I loved the music, the sound of the tagelharpa always manages to entrance me. I heard the men screaming what I understood as "Runnar" but im not really sure if that was what it was really, it reminded me of a track from the The Northman Soundtrack called Draugr... Great movie and great video, I love stories about the Norse and their fantastic adventures!

[@danieln.1034]

Watching this felt like I was playing Assassins Creed Valhalla again, such an awesome setting and immersion you have in this video!

[@ddraig1509]

Another 10/10 video from History Dose. You guys are a shining jewel of a channel

[@bugvswindshield]

Simply outstanding gentlemen. You need to be put on film so you can win an Oscar for best short. agian, and agian, and again.

[@HolyReality891]

Truly fantastic video. Loved every second, can’t wait for the next one!

[@Quickeasyguitarlessons]

This is awesome man Can’t wait to see the second part. The sack of Sicily and the image of that one berserker holding an army of saxons on the stamford bridge 🪓 Keep it going man You’re awesome 🙌

[@philipstevens730]

My favourite yet, the art work just gets better and better, while Harald’s story is incredible.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks! His story isn’t over yet. Sequel in December :)

[@patrickstein2836]

Being a history buff I absolutely enjoy your videos. I'd love to see a video done of Hengis and Horsa, the Saxons who were promised land from Vortigern after they defeated the Pict invaders. But then they were betrayed and launched their conquest of the Britons.

[@joetheperformer]

Imagine a life so storied you’re just finding yourself in an Emperor’s personal guard and and stumbling into the Holy Land without itinerary.

[@nomdreg]

CANT WAIT FOR MORE

[@teddonk3850]

The best yet can’t wait for part 2 incredible story

[@mattgarland9090]

For some reason your Norse videos always strike me different idk if it’s just your style of videos work really well with like the way the sagas speak of things but I love it

[@johnryder1713]

The whole idea of a lot of the different historical groups facing one another reminds me of the book Vs Warriors by Hannah Wilson and illustrated by Steve Stone

[@abhijeetbaruah5461]

Unbelievably well done. Absolute masterpiece of a video.

[@patrickcosgrove2623]

Great video and storytelling. Give us more!

[@bartbliek469]

The sound design on these videos takes it to another level!

[@thenorskk]

I've been recommending this channel as much as possible. Thanks for making these videos and, as always, I can't wait for the next one.

[@MuddieRain]

“A Viking never gives up on his revenge. This is who we are.” Erlendur - Season 4, Episode 9: "Death All 'Round"

[@ikdw3259]

You should definitely do Harold Godwineson and William of Normandy after Harald Hardrada. It would be awesome to see how these 3 mens fates are tied together with this awesome story-telling.

[@grim789]

It's amazing how much these people achieved its like they were superhuman. I honestly can't imagine going into battles and wars with axes and fighting and rising to such fame. I mean I struggle to hike more than a couple miles and I'm done for the day these people make most everyone today seem so weak and fragile.

[@Ealdorman_of_Mercia]

absolutely amazing story telling.

[@thekaiser6842]

I love the narration, art style and overall atmosphere of your videos. Absolutely brilliant!

[@lisalise1622]

A VERY GOOD RENDITION OF KING HARALD ! HE FOUGHT IN FIFTY ONE BATTLES AND WAS KILLED WHEN HE WAS AT STAMFORD BRIDGE WHEN HE WAS FIFTY ONE ! HE WAS THE THUNDERBOLT OF THE NORTH !

[@kiprod6080]

THIS WAS BY FAR THE BEST VIDEO YOU MADE IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS OR SO

[@lucask2396]

This channel makes incredible content and we are lucky to be able to learn all of this history in such an engaging manner.

[@somiariopusunju174]

Your videos sound, look and feel epic. I feel so immersed in the stories you tell.

[@gilfista5178]

Another great video 😄just love the Artwork and edits

[@Warmaker01]

Crazy Mount & Blade campaign!

[@Captain_Titus3867]

Always been brainstorming a realistic medieval action,strategy rpg that’s basically Crusader Kings mixed with Mount and blade, For Honor and Total War. My idea was to make the game sandbox focused but the Campaign is just short stories like this from the medieval period. This time period has just too many epic stories to be focused down into one grand story. I hope I can make my dream game a reality especially with hardware becoming more and more powerful

[@pedrofloriano6120]

THIS CHANNEL IS A MASTERPIECE!!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@quentinaguilera1527]

This is one of the best videos yet 🔥🔥🔥

[@JonnyB12and3]

these series are absolutely excellent

[@Strelok473]

This is amazing.

[@Potato-mu7nu]

That was very well done. Amazing 👏 can't wait to watch the next bit.

[@adoptdontshop3916]

Might I say your narrating and illustrations are supreme. - 👍

[@rangerstedfast]

Loving the videos, but missing the present tense that made them so much more captivating

[@thewolf1630]

Always great content thanks for this brother 👏🏾✊🏾🏴‍☠️

[@Scoob505]

I think a video on Brian Boru would be epic

[@Luke-c]

Amazing work as always!

[@ibanezman1085]

Amazing job guys keep up the good work

[@Kalinho83]

As this is in broad strokes is confirmed to be actual events, Norway must have one of the most epic foundation stories of any modern nation state....Shout out to the yanks though

[@bednoises6391]

Love this channel so much

[@henriknielsen9674]

Make a story about the danish smugler known as The Viking, he is exactly like a viking navigating in a modern world.

[@thisguy5542]

Man I love this channel!

[@isaacmiser2680]

You guys ace it everytime.

[@1myfriendjohn]

Awesome video!

[@HistoryDose]

Thank you!!

[@bigodelock5832]

Old days were wild.

[@hubblito]

🔥🔥🔥 video!

[@anjanpratapsingh727]

Please do Byzantine history especially a series on Emperor Heraklios from the dethroning Phocas to the his order of withdrawal from syria after the crushing defeat at Yarmouk

[@-Jansen155]

I can't believe this happened! Who actually gets revenge against the highest up guy in charge responsible for their suffering, literally?? Although, I was abruptly reminded that Harold was immoral, due to the eye-gouging thing. So I'm still careful not to root for any side with this story. Great vid in all aspects! Loved the age upgrade of Harold's painted image from teen to adult, like a level up in a game.

[@brumbrum181]

This channel is fire !!

[@leeabney2974]

Jesus Christ, you’re nailing it. 👏🏾

[@dayansamir1]

cant wait for the second part :)

[@ThePixelPodcast]

Badass video. Subscribed

[@sc2320]

quality son 💯💪

[@josecabrera4902]

Another great video Can I ask what the music is at the start of the Constantinople section?

[@wulfshead]

Masterpiece.

[@HistoryDose]

Thanks! Be sure to check out part 2! Harald Hardrada: The Last Viking kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZjLdZuAasyJq8k

[@logangriffith4950]

I would love to hear some stories about ibn batuta

[@vadimdon]

Great but the music is so loud you can't hear much of the story

[@raquibhasib1710]

Waiting for the next video…

[@alanrxs7069]

Epicly awesome.

[@raptorbrotherhood766]

Can you do a video on the battle of hydaspes

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

Hardrada literally translates as “hard advice”, “hard reasoning” or perhaps, considering how he got earned the name, “hard rule” as in “tough management” …

[@miliba]

Imagine if Harald had clashed with William in 1066

[@MyRuno]

Harald Hardrada was in fact one of the competitors for the "prize". Harald was an immortal, and contrary to belief he did not die at the battle of Stamford Bridge. Harald Hardrada fought many battles against other immortals and finally he squared off against MacLeod.

[@nalanhazzard]

Sounds like a movie

[@ragnarwergeland8243]

The video could also include the viking ornamentation og Ringerike, Haralds ancestral home

[@jasonsantos3037]

Harald heldrada was a man of his time a man did not get over with his revenge and he became king

[@nicolite8477]

I feel like the music need to be turned down a bit

[@AlexH8280]

"To be continued..." COME OONNNNN!!!

[@OzitoCementMixerCMX-120]

good vid

[@bdot11]

where’s part 2?!?!

[@sidewalkshitter499]

Harald makes Teddy Roosevelt blush!

[@idiotengineer3925]

Imagine an hbo miniseries about harald

[@jxon6246]

fantastic

[@thasnoxi1291]

oh god when is part 2?!

[@jwhiskey242]

"I dont think she likes me very much" - Harold Finehair referring to "His Elizabeth"

[@buglif3173]

Conqueror's Blade vibes

[@pyeitme508]

Let's just say he's a soldier for hire that gets the job done 👍

[@JayzsMr]

Was he the most badass man of all time ?

[@platypus1216]

God that was amazing

[@MuddieRain]

Mines and Public Square 🙌🏽